Stately, symmetrical, and just-a-touch serious, Georgian-style homes are known for giving a grand first impression. A hallmark of Americas Colonial era, these typically two-story homes proliferated along the East Coast during the 18th century, and remain one of Americas most common home styles even today thanks in large part to their airy rooms and resplendent grandeur.Keep reading to learn the defining characteristics of Georgian architecture, along with the history of the style. Jump to:More Historic Home Styles to Know:What are the distinct features of Georgian-style homes? Illustration by Melinda JosieThough named for the Georgian Era of English history, which lasted from 1714 to 1837 under the reign of the House of Hanover, the Georgian architectural style is largely inspired by the ideals of the Italian Renaissance. For many, the idea of Georgian-style architecture suggests formality, rigorous classicism and uncompromised symmetry, says Rafe Churchill, a principal at Connecticut-based architecture and interior design firm Hendricks Churchill. Common exterior characteristics in American Georgians include:Rectangular or square in shape, and typically at least two stories tallFlat-front facadeMulti-pane windows with double-hung sashesA paneled front doorA transom window above the front doorDecorative pilasters flanking both sides of the front doorA decorative pediment above the front doorDecorative molding or dentils along the roof cornice lineA central chimney or symmetrically paired chimneysThe interiors of Georgian homes Annie SchlechterThe crown molding in the dining room of this upstate New York farmhouse exudes Georgian elegance. The interior layout of a Georgian-style home is typically rooted in a grand central hall that connects two symmetrical side wings. In keeping with Greek and Romanesque proportions, ceilings are high and rooms have large footprints to allow for easy living, entertaining, and decorating. (Hence the enduring popularity of the styleit can easily adapt to different decorating trends!) Similar to the exterior, pediments occasionally sit atop interior doorways, and decorative millwork (dentil crown molding, wainscoting, etc.) can be found throughout. Interior design trends ranged widely during the Georgian Erathats what happens when a time period lasts over a century!and included everything from rigid and richly colored Baroque elements to the lighter pastels and natural motifs of the French Rococo movement. RELATED: This Georgian Farmhouse is the Perfect Mix of Vintage and ModernHow to decorate a Georgian home todayAnnie SchlechterShould you find yourself the lucky inhabitant of a historic Georgian homeor are just looking to emulate oneRafe recommends focusing on the interior millwork and ornamentation and sticking with more muted paint colors. A more subtle palette can still include shades of greens, blues and reds, but its the shadow lines of the millwork that should be prioritized, he explains. We would avoid looking past the architecture for a bold color choice. Renovations-wise, a kitchen update would be top priority for Rafe, as cooking spaces were smaller in historic homes. This is where things get tricky, though, he notes. We love an authentic kitchen, but property owners will be most focused on the kitchen, requesting new cabinetry, appliances and additional storage. To keep things modest, he suggests adding a walk-in pantry for food, platters, and small appliance storage, which would eliminate a need for walls of additional cabinetry.The history of Georgian architectureJeff Spicer//Getty ImagesThe trademark Georgian symmetry of Buckingham Palace is credited to architect John Nash.As is the case with Colonial architecture, Georgian technically refers to a time period, not an exact aesthetic. The Georgian Era ran from 1714 to 1837, and covered the reign of Hanoverian Kings George I, II, III, and IV, as well as William IV, who ascended the throne after his brother, George IV, passed away. (Youll recognize one of those Georges in particular from pop culture: George III is the king in both Hamilton and Bridgerton.) England was undergoing massive changes during this time. Populations were booming, the Industrial Revolution was beginning, and cities and towns were growing increasingly dense. The aesthetic ideals of the Italian Renaissance had finally made their way to the U.K. and the Age of Enlightenment was underway. As a result, more housing was needed, and the tastes of merchant and noble classes needing said housing were becoming more elegant, restrained and refined. NetflixWith its twin chimneys and decorative pilasters surrounding the front door, the wisteria-covered Bridgerton family residence is a charming example of Georgian architecture. This resulted in the Georgian-style terraced row houses that even today are something of an English signature, as well as the sprawling country mansions that serve as the backdrop for classic stories such as Pride & Prejudice and, yes, Bridgerton. (Fun fact: Buckingham Palace as its known today was expanded under King George III by architect John Nash, and is largely of Georgian style.) These changes inevitably made their way over to the British colonies, where populationsand subsequently cities, towns, and educational centerswere similarly booming. And unlike the opulent Baroque styles of the preceding era, Georgian architecture was exponentially easier to replicate with the building materials and pamphlets available stateside. What started as a style reserved for the upper class shifted toward an architecture for the middle class, says Rafe. The bones are still there, but the ornamentation was pared down and at times the function of the building became more apparent. As a result, Georgian architecture is still one of the most enduring styles of American building to this day. Whats the difference between Georgian and Colonial style homes? Alpha SmootSet on a pastoral property in Hampton, Connecticut, this Georgian Colonial glows in a custom shade of golden mustard. In North America, Georgian is a subset of the Colonial era, and subsequently a subset of Colonial architecture. That said, aesthetically speaking, a Georgian is more likely to break from the side-gabled roof of a traditional Colonial, and will more often have dormers on the roof. A Georgian is also more likely to have paired chimneys and a more embellished front door than a Colonial. Whats the difference between Georgian and Federal homes? Though the Founding Fathers might disagree, the differences between Georgian and Federal-style homes are arguably rather minimal. As the colonists shirked off British rule, they also sought to distance themselves aesthetically from the mother country, and Georgian architecture was adapted to create a new style suitable for the fledgling United States. Key differences include semi-circular fan lights above a Federals front door, pilasters and pediments extended out from the front facade to form a shallow portico, and, most notably, side wings and/or polygonal projections extending from the primary square or rectangular structure. Whats the difference between Georgian and Victorian style homes?Quite a bit! Where Georgians prioritize symmetry, classical proportions, and restrained adornment, Victorian-style homes are all about asymmetry and over-the-top gingerbread embellishment. Their interiors are often filled with a winding maze of surprise nooks and closed-off rooms, while Georgians are anchored in a center hall that intuitively transitions into side wings.Decorating Ideas for Georgian House Enthusiasts:Sarah ZlotnickSarah Zlotnick is the Lifestyle Director at Country Living, where she covers a little bit of everythingsmall towns, life in the country, and, her favorite, antiques. A research buff at heart, she loves a deep dive into the history of vintage finds and uncovering the reasons behind old-as-time traditions.Expert consulted:Rafe ChurchillAs an owner of and principal at Connecticut-based architecture and interior design firmHendricks Churchill, third-generation builder Rafe Churchill crafts traditional buildings inspired by the historic architecture of New England. He holds an undergraduate degree in architecture from Bennington College.